Columbia University Pre-College Programs, run by the School of Professional Studies (SPS), offer rising 9th–12th graders the chance to take real college-level courses on Columbia's Morningside Heights campus in New York City or online. With 100+ courses across the arts, sciences, engineering, humanities, business, and more, students receive a Certification of Participation and a personalized evaluation from their instructor upon successful completion.
Three tracks:
- NYC Residential: Live and study on campus; includes housing and most meals; ~$12,838 for a 3-week session
- NYC Commuter: Attend classes on campus without housing; ~$6,381 for a 3-week session
- Online: Participate from anywhere in the world; ~$4,018 for a 2-week session
Sample subject areas: Architecture, Biotechnology, Business & Entrepreneurship, Computer Science & Programming, Creative Writing, Film, Global Politics, Law, Medicine, Philosophy, Psychology, Robotics, Sustainability, and more.
Eligibility: Rising 9th through current 12th graders. The NYC Residential track additionally requires students to be at least 15 years old, and students who are 15 must turn 16 by December 31 of the program year. International students are welcome in all tracks. There is no set minimum GPA; applications are evaluated on academic background, ability, motivation, and maturity.
Financial aid: Need-based scholarships are available for US citizens and permanent residents located in the US or its territories, and only for a single course in the NYC Commuter Summer or Online Summer programs (not available for NYC Residential); international students are not eligible.
Academic credit: These are non-credit courses. Students receive a Certification of Participation and a personalized evaluation from their instructor rather than college credit or a transcript.